Dementia isn’t a disease in and of itself, but a state of confusion caused by a variety of factors—including Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s lands unsurprisingly far up on the list of diseases feared by aging Canadians—falling second only to cancer, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

And while dementia can be scary to face, the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. hopes those diagnosed know they don’t have to face it alone.

The Society offers a free workshop in Chilliwack on Sept. 3 titled “Getting to Know Dementia,” which explores the effects of the disease, local support options, and strategies to live well with dementia.

The workshop is meant not only for people experiencing dementia, but also for family members and friends close to someone with dementia.

The society notes, however, that this workshop isn’t intended for the general public or workers in health care, although all are welcome and the workshop is offered without charge.

As the Canadian population ages, the disease is becoming more of an issue locally as well as nationally.

According to the 2011 census, roughly 35 per cent of Chilliwack’s population falls into the 60 and over bracket, pointing to an increasing elderly demographic in the city going forward.

w The workshop takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 3 in Evergreen Hall’s Minto Room. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Jude Weir at 604-702-4603 or jweir@alzheimerbc.org.

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